In today’s digital world, personal branding is more important than ever. In the print media days, reputation was built through word of mouth, resume, and limited exposure.
Now, social media allows professionals to create, control, and amplify their personal brand globally.
A strong personal brand builds credibility, attracts opportunities, and differentiates individuals in a highly competitive world.
Why is personal branding important?
-Differentiation: Personal branding helps you to stand out from the masses. It establishes you as an individual with unique skills and expertise. Your personal brand ensures that you are remembered by your clients, employers, peers, and more.
-Professional growth: A strong personal brand is important not just for professionals and job seekers but also for entrepreneurs. It opens doors to career opportunities, promotions, and business opportunities.
-Social eminence: “Man is a social animal” is an adage and continues to be relevant. Having a personal brand establishes your credibility and influence not only in your profession or business but also in your social circle. It expands your social circle, which in turn impacts your professional success.
-Networking: A great network is the most valuable asset. Personal branding helps to expand networks and create communities of like-minded individuals with mutual benefits and industry-specific discussions and updates. Networking is an amazing tool for future opportunities. Network also extends personal brand, which extends network. It can be a virtuous cycle.
-Monetize your personal brand: Individuals can also monetize their personal brand in various ways. Over time, they can leverage their personal brand to become an influencer, coach, or counselor, advise startups, or join the boards of companies.
How to build a personal brand?
1.) Expertise: Creating a niche is a necessity. Try to establish your expertise in a field that you are passionate about. If it is an area that most people are curious to know and learn about, it is even better. But passion is the most important driver of sustained expertise.
2.) Access to information: Ensure that you have access to the information that others are actively looking for.
3.) Converting organizational brand into personal brand: Individuals can also leverage their experience in the organization that they work for and build their identity and reputation around the company that they work for.
When I became the CEO of Gallup India, LinkedIn and other social media platforms were at their infant stage. Back then, my goal was to ensure a regular brand presence in the print media. I was quoted and covered in various newspapers. This helped me establish my identity in the field of employee engagement.
Today, even though the forms of media have changed, the importance of drawing from an organizational brand remains the same. However, ensure that you have the permission required to do so.
4.) Visibility: Your unique identity and expertise will have no value until they reach the right kind of audience. Try to voice your opinions and knowledge on print as well as social media, such as LinkedIn and Medium. You may do this through blogs, articles, TV interviews, YouTube videos, etc.
Ensure that your content helps you to stand out from your peers.
5.) Effective media management: Building relationships with the media is an essential element in creating a brand for yourself. For virtual media, opt for trending topics and connect with people. Support LinkedIn, and it will support you! For print media: Maintain good relationships and build perception amongst the editors and journalists who will quote you in the newspapers.
First impressions are great, but a strong personal brand leaves a lasting impact, so start building today! What tips do you follow to create a personal brand? Let us know in the comments below!